Suchitra Balasubramanian: A nightingale in the musical firmament (Thodupuzha K.Shankar)
Published on 25 April, 2020
FEATURE ARTICLE SERIES:
INTRODUCTION:
In the contemporary spiritual scenario, Smt. SUCHITHRA BALASUBRAMANIAN is becoming the most familiar and popular name who is surging ahead in the domain of mellifluous Harikatha /vocal/ Namasankeertanam, of course, by virtue of her inherited or inborn talents, values and unremitting perseverance. With a flair for music coupled with an indomitable spirit and ambition to acquire complete mastery in this genre, Smt. Suchithra is fully occupied day in and day out. Especially in this epoch, with innumerable aspirants endowed with talents and motivated by determination to carve a niche in the domain of music coming up, the task ahead is really challenging always. As the proverb goes, it is sometimes, facile to climb the ladder and reach the top position by virtue of one’s fortune and inherent potentialities, but to remain in the same coveted position for ever, is no doubt, a gigantic task. It needs perennial blessings of God and relentless perseverance! Many such talented and gifted personalities, who are now basking in the sunshine of enviable glory, must be having many a tale of trials and tribulations, sufferings and sacrifices, hurdles and hassles, if we just scan through their career trajectory. Unlike in the past, with more and more talented singers emerging day by day, the challengesbefore the singers of today, are ten-fold and only an artiste with determination, grit and ingenuity can survive in this epoch. A classic example is our respected GANAGANDHARVAN Dr. K J YESUDAS, whose50 years of continuous stay in classical as well as general music, was celebratedin February end 2012, through a special program, Dasettan@50, sponsored and telecast by our famous ASIANET CHANNEL, which was watched by millions all over the word. It is still fragrant in everybody’s memory!
A THUMBNAIL SKETCH OF HER EDUCATION AND BONHOMIE WITH MUSIC:
As a young aspirant in her early thirties, with a brilliant academic record spanning from graduation to the highest level of education in the genre of music, Smt. Suchithra is holding creditable number of degrees and possessing adequate proficiency and knowledge which many may covet.
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation B.com
M A (Music) Topper with distinction
M B A (H R)
From SYMBIOSIS Music Exams, both Lower and Higher-Grade Music in First Class, conducted by the Govt. of Tamil Nadu.
It is worth remembering that wisdom and erudition in any field especially in the genre of Music are exceptional qualities and invaluable assets and of course, a source of power which no one can rob but, one can always feel proud of. An artiste in the genre of music always remains an ever-green star at any age and is not bound by any age bar in comparison with many other art forms. An artiste once he/she captures an audience with his/ her firstperformance, it leaves an indelible impression which decides the future of the artiste. It is a do or die struggle sticking to the canon of ‘Survival of the fittest’. No exaggeration, Smt. Suchitra, by dint of her performance par excellence, fully justifies this corollary! In any field of education, the Gurus play a very vivid crucial role in shaping the destiny of an enthusiastic disciple, an aspirant.
Now let us see this vital aspect in the case of our fond artiste and how their(‘Gurus’) verve and longstanding experience in the field of music, coupled with their bountiful blessings, have exercised strong influence in shaping her musical career. Otherwise, it is a Herculean task for any artiste to scale the summit of fame and popularity.
GURUS(TEACHERS):IN VOCAL MUSIC
1. PADMABHUSHAN Shri. T N Seshagopalan
2. Kalaimamani Srimushnam Shri. V Rajarao
3. Smt. Padma Sandilyan
4. Trichy Shri. Venkataraman
GURUS(TEACHERS): IN HARIKATHA
1. AcademyRatna kalaimamani Tanjvur Smt.T R Kamala Murthy(Grand Mother)
2. Shri. U Ve. Ananthapadmanabhachariyar
3. Govindapuram Shri. Balaji Bhagavathar
4. Smt. Vishaka Hari
In fact, all potential masters have, no doubt,passed on all their heritage of erudition in the genre of music and behind the seamless performance of every artiste, there is the perennial flow of the Guru’s blessings. Many artistes admit after their performance that they do not remember how they could perform well, but always believe they couldn’t have done well, but for the blessings of the Guru indeed!
As the artiste climbs the ladder of success, the journey sometimes, fetches deserving and encouraging results also in the form awards and recognitions which make one not only proud of himself/herself, but also contribute more stimulus to the artiste. Now let us see the achievements of Smt. Suchithra,in the form of Awards and Titles during her musical journey hitherto.
27 AWARDS TITLES AND RECOGNITIONS:
Smt. Suchitra’s Awards, tittles and recognitions includeBharathiya Vidya Bhavan, Sangeetha Vidya Nidhi from Thiruvavaduthurai Aadheenam, Shri Ramanujar Award, Yuva Kala Bharathi, Madhura Murali Puraskar, Tamil Isai Chudar, Sangeetha Gana Bhushani, Bala Isai Arasi, Thirumurai Isai Mani, Pravachana Prabha, Asthana Vidwamsini, Sangeetha Nadabrahmam, Tamilnadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram, Rotari Club, Shivaji Ganeshan Virudhu, Katha Kala Praveena from Kalalaya U S A, Ilam Isai Kuyil etc.
In fact, such achievements prove the artiste’s forte which motivate to focus on greater achievements and recognitions. Adding another golden feather to her crown,she received the Bharat Ratna Dr. M S Subbalakshmi Centenary Fellowship Award in Music, from Shanmukhananda Sabha Mumbai.
Apart from these, she is also a ‘Title andCompetition Winner’ of many T V Channels Music Reality shows, including Airtel Star Singer Award and Ragamalika Award etc.
For an ambitious artiste, the journey never ends and every day brings new hopes and expectations. Life becomes more vibrant with such activities. Otherwise it looks void and promotes diffidence and disappointments and the whole charm evaporates by and by. An aspirant should always remember that faults and failures are possible in any effort and that shouldn’t hamper or stall him/her during the onward journey. Nay, not to boast over any distinctive achievement or recognition as the gist of the proverb goes that ‘pride over today’s success may pave the way for tomorrow’s doom or failure’!
Besides, an artiste should also possess the spontaneous quality of appreciating another artiste and his/her talents. Such a bilateral quality always shows the positive attitude of the artiste. The saga of the successful legendary artiste becomes more inspirational for the young and enterprising upcoming artistes.
USUAL PERFORMANCE CERNTRES:
As an artiste specialised in Namasankeerthanam, Harikatha and vocal music, besides being a media singer, Smt. Suchithra is giving vocal renditions as well as performing Harikatha concerts in various popular T V Channels like Vijay T V (bhakti), Jaya T V, sankara T V and S V B C Channel of T T D. She was also an active member in Abhaswarm Ramjhi’s”Issai Mazhalai”
*It deserves special mention here, a matter of great pride indeed that Smt. Suchithra is now holding an ‘A’ GRADE position in A I R in the HARIKATHA section and ‘B’HIGH GRADEfor CARNATIC VOCAL.
OVERSEAS PERFORMANCES:
In a broader sense, like the renowned poet Hareendranath Chathopadhyaya observed, “Be any, a committed writer or an artiste, he/she is not the property of his/her place or any particular place alone, but he/she transcends the territorial boundaries and belongs to the whole world, in a broader sense”!In close pursuance or in consonance with this corollary or broad observation, we can infer that as a committed recognized musician, this Nightingale also belongs to the world! Now let us see how far does she justify the above observation! Let us peep into her much celebrated overseas travels and brilliant performances in various centres before the elite Indian diaspora as well as the general audiences.
She performed her vocal/ Harikatha /devotional /light music concerts and other performances at various important overseas centres like - Doha, Canada, Switzerland, Singapore, Srilanka, U S A, Germany, Ausrtalia, New Zealand and Seychelles.
As an aspiring artiste jubilantly marches ahead, with more performancesbefore several elite aesthetic audiences, within and without, and also keeps gunning for more laurels and accolades, his/her fame spreads the world over and justifies theconcept,‘the artiste belongs to the whole world’!
MUSIC ALBUMS AND C Ds RELEASED:
Smt. Suchitra has been able to release some soulful music albums also in the midst of all her busy schedules and let us see her spiritual achievements in this genre-
Kandha Shashti Kavacham,Classical vocal, Gana Sankeerthanam,Oonjal songs,number of Harikatha Concerts as well as creditable number of C Ds by L I F C O.
A BRIEF NOTE ON SMT. SUCHITHRA:
Born into a family with great passion for music, Smt. Suchithra was initiated into it at the tender age of 4 when she expressed strong desire to learn Carnatic Music. Thus, she started learning music under the tutelage of Mrs.Sudha T N Seshagopalan and later from Padmabhushan Madurai Shri T N Seshagopalan for a period of 8 years. Presently she is learning classical music under Smt. Padma Sandilyan and Kalaimamani Srimushnam V Raja Rao. Besides, she is also learning the traditional Harikatha from her grandmother Kalaimamani Thanjavur Smt. Kamalamurthy, who is one of the renowned contemporary Harikatha legends in Chennai.
Her virtuous and worthy parents are Shri. K. BALASUBRAMANIAN and Smt. B. USHA and her younger sibling is Shri. B. LOGESWAR, who is employed with an I T Company. She is happily married to Shri. ARAVIND RAJAGOPALAN, who is a Financial Professional. Not deterred nor barred by any such bondingwhich sometimes happens in life after marriage, Smt. Suchithra continues to learn, practise and perform quite often with no boundary restrictions nor oriental or occidental limitations. Everywhere, she commands tremendous respect and support from all music lovers! Music has no such racial or linguistic bias or territorial limitations, but transcends all boundaries at all times and ages. Music is celestial and has always been an integral part of human culture!Music is a God given gift which attains perfection over several births, with further learnings and regular practices. The proverb says, “Perfection walks slowly, it requires the hand of TIME”! With her tremendous passion for learning more and attaining perfection in her profession, she is devoting a good part of her time for augmenting her knowledge as well as practising in consonance with the old adage that ‘Practice makes one perfect’!Blessed with the gift of innate affinity for music, at her tender age, she participated in the music competitions organized by All India Radio as well as many Tamil T V Channels and won all the prizes, a unique experience to fondle and remember always.
MEDIA ATTENTION AND POPULARITY:
One important thing in the life of an artiste is the support meted out by the medias. Today the print medias like News Papers and magazines and Visual Medias like T V are innumerable in number and they are playing a very vivid role in highlighting and popularising the deserving artistes, purely based upon their talents and music potentials. Everything depends upon their luck and God’s blessings!
Smt. Suchithra has been able to garner the support of many medias like Dhinamani, Indian Express, The Hindu etc. which havehighlighted her talents and potentials in their reviews of her performances. To cite a few for example:
Dhinamani paper observed: “Suchitra has a fine blend of sweet and brisk voice that suits nice expressions for classical vocal”!
Similarly, The Indian Express has pointed out: “She is very young, does not go much for movies, but spends most of her time for practising and learning vocal and Harikatha. She took us for a divine journey on her musical discourse. When she began her eyes closed, losing herself in the magic of Seetha Kalyanam and Ramayana, chocked the entire audience into Bhakthi”!
Followed by The Hindu: “Her singing showed her excellent grounding in Carnatic music. In particular, rendering of Bhooparipalanam(Paras) Bhuvaniyil(Mukari) and maindhar illa vazhvum(Ananda bhairavi) were flawlesswith nicely expressed manobhava”!Also,
“Suchitra struck a neat and perfect balance between the song and narrative, without one overwhelming the other. This young lady has great future with her growing talents”
Smt. SUCHITHRA IN BHAJAN SAMAJ GHATKOPAR EAST(GARODIA NAGAR) (2 DAYS)
This writer had the privilege to attend the live performance of Smt. SUCHITHRA BALASUBRAMANIAN, the renowned young Nightingale from CHENNAI, in Garodia Nagar Mumbai very recently.
VENUE- BHAJAN SAMAJ TEMPLE GHATKOAR EAST ON 4thand 5THJANUARY 2020 -SATURDAY AND SUNDAY EVENING AT 7 PM.
The esteemed secretary Shri. SHEKHAR and his ever -service minded dedicated colleagues had already made elaborate arrangements so meticulously in the compact, catchy open auditorium, in the front yard of the temple. The auditorium was renovatedin the very recent past, under the dynamic leadership of our innovative secretary Shri SHEKHAR and his team, fully engaged round the clock in selfless service to the multitude of devotees, pouring in from all over Mumbai. The Bhajan Samaj temple Garodia Nagar,uniquely designed with all deities, is so divinely located on the side of the main road and is easily accessible. It is believed that the place was once a hermitage, inhabited by- Rishis(Sages) and therefore, a hallowed place with utmost serenity and sanctity!The clean and tidy temple ground now overcrowded with enthusiastic music lovers who not only wanted to have a glimpse of this Nightingale that flew down to the BHAJAN SAMAJ, but also to hear the much -celebrated singing, with rapt attention and experience the ambrosial musical rain for undistracted couple of hours!
Smt. SUCHITRA accompanied by her team of instrumentalists (Shri Aditya Sriram on Violin, Dr. Seetharaman on Mridangam and Shri Krishna Venkat on Ghatam) briskly walked on to the well organised stage and occupied the sacred Vyasa Peedham, (The divine seat) so humbly and reverently!
On the first day,(Saturday) TheSamaj secretary made a formal brief introduction of Smt. Suchithra and her accompanists to the eagerly awaiting audience. The temple authorities did all respects and formalities to Smt. Suchithra and her team of talented instrumentalists.
Smt. SUCHITHRA’selaborate narration of HARIKATHA onGURUVAYURAPPAN MAHIMAI, on Saturday, followed byANDALKALYANAM, onSunday,interspersed with her mesmerising sonorous renditions and narratives reverberated in the whole spellbound audience! She regaled the aesthetic audience and captured their hearts on both dayswith her sweet voice and deep knowledge of the subject and charming style of narration! SANGEETHOPANYASAM or Musical Discourse is a very popular form of epic presentation, gaining momentum everywhere and Smt. Suchithra handles this art form very efficiently and attractively.
No one could recollect how quickly the couple of hours on both days elapsed and everything got over abruptly, marking the conclusion of the event! Later she was duly honoured with a PONNADAI by the managing committee members!
The accompanists were also duly honoured appropriately!
In this context, it may be recalled that Smt. Suchithra is alreadyfamiliar to the residents of Garodia Nagar. She did an elaborate Musical Discourse on AYYAPPA CHARITHAM, during the customaryAnnual Ayyappa PoojaCelebrations in the Lion’s Community Hall, organized by Bhakta Sanghway back in 2016 and earned commendable repute and appreciation. Those soulful melodies and narratives are still ringing in our ears!
Smt. SUCHITHRA A PARADIGM FOR THE UPCOMING ARTISTES
Age is, sometimes, immaterial in becoming a good example! One can set a good example or become a paragon with the heritage of exemplary qualities and values which others would always like to emulate. Everything done for 3 Days consecutively becomes a practice and such a practice continued for some time becomes a good habit and that habit becomes an integral part of our culture. This is the legacythat one should always bequeath to the younger generation.
With her pleasing personality, mellifluous voice and amiable manners, innovative and interesting way of expressing things in the lucid way, Smt. SUCHITHRA is able to capture an audience of any magnitude within no time!
Her in-depth mastery over the entire gamut of music and ability to present the various mythological characters and events interestingly, deserve special mention andno doubt, this is a rare boon, bestowed by GODDESS SARASWATHY!
CONCLUSION:
While concluding this feature article on Smt. Suchithra, showcasing the details of her deep bonding with and involvement in music,this writer has the self- content to have shown some justice to this specific task!
Special thanks are due to our renowned BHAJAN SAMRAT OF MUMBAI, our beloved BABU BHAGAVATHAR, who readily introduced me to Smt. SUCHITHRA BALASUBRAMANIAN and motivated me to feature her in one of my future series. I acknowledge with thanks that I could interact with her and readily obtain her profile and all requisite details swiftly so as to come out with this humble feature article.Grateful salutations to my favourite deity GODDESS MOOKAMBIKA for strengthening my elbows as ever to start and finish this article within the record time than envisaged!
LET US WISH Smt. SUCHITHRA ALL PROSPERITY AND THUMPING SUCCESS ALWAYS IN ALL HER SPIRITUAL ENDEAVOURS!
MAY LORD GURUVAYURAPPAN BLESS HER AND HER HAPPY FAMILY!
**********
INTRODUCTION:
In the contemporary spiritual scenario, Smt. SUCHITHRA BALASUBRAMANIAN is becoming the most familiar and popular name who is surging ahead in the domain of mellifluous Harikatha /vocal/ Namasankeertanam, of course, by virtue of her inherited or inborn talents, values and unremitting perseverance. With a flair for music coupled with an indomitable spirit and ambition to acquire complete mastery in this genre, Smt. Suchithra is fully occupied day in and day out. Especially in this epoch, with innumerable aspirants endowed with talents and motivated by determination to carve a niche in the domain of music coming up, the task ahead is really challenging always. As the proverb goes, it is sometimes, facile to climb the ladder and reach the top position by virtue of one’s fortune and inherent potentialities, but to remain in the same coveted position for ever, is no doubt, a gigantic task. It needs perennial blessings of God and relentless perseverance! Many such talented and gifted personalities, who are now basking in the sunshine of enviable glory, must be having many a tale of trials and tribulations, sufferings and sacrifices, hurdles and hassles, if we just scan through their career trajectory. Unlike in the past, with more and more talented singers emerging day by day, the challengesbefore the singers of today, are ten-fold and only an artiste with determination, grit and ingenuity can survive in this epoch. A classic example is our respected GANAGANDHARVAN Dr. K J YESUDAS, whose50 years of continuous stay in classical as well as general music, was celebratedin February end 2012, through a special program, Dasettan@50, sponsored and telecast by our famous ASIANET CHANNEL, which was watched by millions all over the word. It is still fragrant in everybody’s memory!
A THUMBNAIL SKETCH OF HER EDUCATION AND BONHOMIE WITH MUSIC:
As a young aspirant in her early thirties, with a brilliant academic record spanning from graduation to the highest level of education in the genre of music, Smt. Suchithra is holding creditable number of degrees and possessing adequate proficiency and knowledge which many may covet.
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation B.com
M A (Music) Topper with distinction
M B A (H R)
From SYMBIOSIS Music Exams, both Lower and Higher-Grade Music in First Class, conducted by the Govt. of Tamil Nadu.
It is worth remembering that wisdom and erudition in any field especially in the genre of Music are exceptional qualities and invaluable assets and of course, a source of power which no one can rob but, one can always feel proud of. An artiste in the genre of music always remains an ever-green star at any age and is not bound by any age bar in comparison with many other art forms. An artiste once he/she captures an audience with his/ her firstperformance, it leaves an indelible impression which decides the future of the artiste. It is a do or die struggle sticking to the canon of ‘Survival of the fittest’. No exaggeration, Smt. Suchitra, by dint of her performance par excellence, fully justifies this corollary! In any field of education, the Gurus play a very vivid crucial role in shaping the destiny of an enthusiastic disciple, an aspirant.
Now let us see this vital aspect in the case of our fond artiste and how their(‘Gurus’) verve and longstanding experience in the field of music, coupled with their bountiful blessings, have exercised strong influence in shaping her musical career. Otherwise, it is a Herculean task for any artiste to scale the summit of fame and popularity.
GURUS(TEACHERS):IN VOCAL MUSIC
1. PADMABHUSHAN Shri. T N Seshagopalan
2. Kalaimamani Srimushnam Shri. V Rajarao
3. Smt. Padma Sandilyan
4. Trichy Shri. Venkataraman
GURUS(TEACHERS): IN HARIKATHA
1. AcademyRatna kalaimamani Tanjvur Smt.T R Kamala Murthy(Grand Mother)
2. Shri. U Ve. Ananthapadmanabhachariyar
3. Govindapuram Shri. Balaji Bhagavathar
4. Smt. Vishaka Hari
In fact, all potential masters have, no doubt,passed on all their heritage of erudition in the genre of music and behind the seamless performance of every artiste, there is the perennial flow of the Guru’s blessings. Many artistes admit after their performance that they do not remember how they could perform well, but always believe they couldn’t have done well, but for the blessings of the Guru indeed!
As the artiste climbs the ladder of success, the journey sometimes, fetches deserving and encouraging results also in the form awards and recognitions which make one not only proud of himself/herself, but also contribute more stimulus to the artiste. Now let us see the achievements of Smt. Suchithra,in the form of Awards and Titles during her musical journey hitherto.
27 AWARDS TITLES AND RECOGNITIONS:
Smt. Suchitra’s Awards, tittles and recognitions includeBharathiya Vidya Bhavan, Sangeetha Vidya Nidhi from Thiruvavaduthurai Aadheenam, Shri Ramanujar Award, Yuva Kala Bharathi, Madhura Murali Puraskar, Tamil Isai Chudar, Sangeetha Gana Bhushani, Bala Isai Arasi, Thirumurai Isai Mani, Pravachana Prabha, Asthana Vidwamsini, Sangeetha Nadabrahmam, Tamilnadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram, Rotari Club, Shivaji Ganeshan Virudhu, Katha Kala Praveena from Kalalaya U S A, Ilam Isai Kuyil etc.
In fact, such achievements prove the artiste’s forte which motivate to focus on greater achievements and recognitions. Adding another golden feather to her crown,she received the Bharat Ratna Dr. M S Subbalakshmi Centenary Fellowship Award in Music, from Shanmukhananda Sabha Mumbai.
Apart from these, she is also a ‘Title andCompetition Winner’ of many T V Channels Music Reality shows, including Airtel Star Singer Award and Ragamalika Award etc.
For an ambitious artiste, the journey never ends and every day brings new hopes and expectations. Life becomes more vibrant with such activities. Otherwise it looks void and promotes diffidence and disappointments and the whole charm evaporates by and by. An aspirant should always remember that faults and failures are possible in any effort and that shouldn’t hamper or stall him/her during the onward journey. Nay, not to boast over any distinctive achievement or recognition as the gist of the proverb goes that ‘pride over today’s success may pave the way for tomorrow’s doom or failure’!
Besides, an artiste should also possess the spontaneous quality of appreciating another artiste and his/her talents. Such a bilateral quality always shows the positive attitude of the artiste. The saga of the successful legendary artiste becomes more inspirational for the young and enterprising upcoming artistes.
USUAL PERFORMANCE CERNTRES:
As an artiste specialised in Namasankeerthanam, Harikatha and vocal music, besides being a media singer, Smt. Suchithra is giving vocal renditions as well as performing Harikatha concerts in various popular T V Channels like Vijay T V (bhakti), Jaya T V, sankara T V and S V B C Channel of T T D. She was also an active member in Abhaswarm Ramjhi’s”Issai Mazhalai”
*It deserves special mention here, a matter of great pride indeed that Smt. Suchithra is now holding an ‘A’ GRADE position in A I R in the HARIKATHA section and ‘B’HIGH GRADEfor CARNATIC VOCAL.
OVERSEAS PERFORMANCES:
In a broader sense, like the renowned poet Hareendranath Chathopadhyaya observed, “Be any, a committed writer or an artiste, he/she is not the property of his/her place or any particular place alone, but he/she transcends the territorial boundaries and belongs to the whole world, in a broader sense”!In close pursuance or in consonance with this corollary or broad observation, we can infer that as a committed recognized musician, this Nightingale also belongs to the world! Now let us see how far does she justify the above observation! Let us peep into her much celebrated overseas travels and brilliant performances in various centres before the elite Indian diaspora as well as the general audiences.
She performed her vocal/ Harikatha /devotional /light music concerts and other performances at various important overseas centres like - Doha, Canada, Switzerland, Singapore, Srilanka, U S A, Germany, Ausrtalia, New Zealand and Seychelles.
As an aspiring artiste jubilantly marches ahead, with more performancesbefore several elite aesthetic audiences, within and without, and also keeps gunning for more laurels and accolades, his/her fame spreads the world over and justifies theconcept,‘the artiste belongs to the whole world’!
MUSIC ALBUMS AND C Ds RELEASED:
Smt. Suchitra has been able to release some soulful music albums also in the midst of all her busy schedules and let us see her spiritual achievements in this genre-
Kandha Shashti Kavacham,Classical vocal, Gana Sankeerthanam,Oonjal songs,number of Harikatha Concerts as well as creditable number of C Ds by L I F C O.
A BRIEF NOTE ON SMT. SUCHITHRA:
Born into a family with great passion for music, Smt. Suchithra was initiated into it at the tender age of 4 when she expressed strong desire to learn Carnatic Music. Thus, she started learning music under the tutelage of Mrs.Sudha T N Seshagopalan and later from Padmabhushan Madurai Shri T N Seshagopalan for a period of 8 years. Presently she is learning classical music under Smt. Padma Sandilyan and Kalaimamani Srimushnam V Raja Rao. Besides, she is also learning the traditional Harikatha from her grandmother Kalaimamani Thanjavur Smt. Kamalamurthy, who is one of the renowned contemporary Harikatha legends in Chennai.
Her virtuous and worthy parents are Shri. K. BALASUBRAMANIAN and Smt. B. USHA and her younger sibling is Shri. B. LOGESWAR, who is employed with an I T Company. She is happily married to Shri. ARAVIND RAJAGOPALAN, who is a Financial Professional. Not deterred nor barred by any such bondingwhich sometimes happens in life after marriage, Smt. Suchithra continues to learn, practise and perform quite often with no boundary restrictions nor oriental or occidental limitations. Everywhere, she commands tremendous respect and support from all music lovers! Music has no such racial or linguistic bias or territorial limitations, but transcends all boundaries at all times and ages. Music is celestial and has always been an integral part of human culture!Music is a God given gift which attains perfection over several births, with further learnings and regular practices. The proverb says, “Perfection walks slowly, it requires the hand of TIME”! With her tremendous passion for learning more and attaining perfection in her profession, she is devoting a good part of her time for augmenting her knowledge as well as practising in consonance with the old adage that ‘Practice makes one perfect’!Blessed with the gift of innate affinity for music, at her tender age, she participated in the music competitions organized by All India Radio as well as many Tamil T V Channels and won all the prizes, a unique experience to fondle and remember always.
MEDIA ATTENTION AND POPULARITY:
One important thing in the life of an artiste is the support meted out by the medias. Today the print medias like News Papers and magazines and Visual Medias like T V are innumerable in number and they are playing a very vivid role in highlighting and popularising the deserving artistes, purely based upon their talents and music potentials. Everything depends upon their luck and God’s blessings!
Smt. Suchithra has been able to garner the support of many medias like Dhinamani, Indian Express, The Hindu etc. which havehighlighted her talents and potentials in their reviews of her performances. To cite a few for example:
Dhinamani paper observed: “Suchitra has a fine blend of sweet and brisk voice that suits nice expressions for classical vocal”!
Similarly, The Indian Express has pointed out: “She is very young, does not go much for movies, but spends most of her time for practising and learning vocal and Harikatha. She took us for a divine journey on her musical discourse. When she began her eyes closed, losing herself in the magic of Seetha Kalyanam and Ramayana, chocked the entire audience into Bhakthi”!
Followed by The Hindu: “Her singing showed her excellent grounding in Carnatic music. In particular, rendering of Bhooparipalanam(Paras) Bhuvaniyil(Mukari) and maindhar illa vazhvum(Ananda bhairavi) were flawlesswith nicely expressed manobhava”!Also,
“Suchitra struck a neat and perfect balance between the song and narrative, without one overwhelming the other. This young lady has great future with her growing talents”
Smt. SUCHITHRA IN BHAJAN SAMAJ GHATKOPAR EAST(GARODIA NAGAR) (2 DAYS)
This writer had the privilege to attend the live performance of Smt. SUCHITHRA BALASUBRAMANIAN, the renowned young Nightingale from CHENNAI, in Garodia Nagar Mumbai very recently.
VENUE- BHAJAN SAMAJ TEMPLE GHATKOAR EAST ON 4thand 5THJANUARY 2020 -SATURDAY AND SUNDAY EVENING AT 7 PM.
The esteemed secretary Shri. SHEKHAR and his ever -service minded dedicated colleagues had already made elaborate arrangements so meticulously in the compact, catchy open auditorium, in the front yard of the temple. The auditorium was renovatedin the very recent past, under the dynamic leadership of our innovative secretary Shri SHEKHAR and his team, fully engaged round the clock in selfless service to the multitude of devotees, pouring in from all over Mumbai. The Bhajan Samaj temple Garodia Nagar,uniquely designed with all deities, is so divinely located on the side of the main road and is easily accessible. It is believed that the place was once a hermitage, inhabited by- Rishis(Sages) and therefore, a hallowed place with utmost serenity and sanctity!The clean and tidy temple ground now overcrowded with enthusiastic music lovers who not only wanted to have a glimpse of this Nightingale that flew down to the BHAJAN SAMAJ, but also to hear the much -celebrated singing, with rapt attention and experience the ambrosial musical rain for undistracted couple of hours!
Smt. SUCHITRA accompanied by her team of instrumentalists (Shri Aditya Sriram on Violin, Dr. Seetharaman on Mridangam and Shri Krishna Venkat on Ghatam) briskly walked on to the well organised stage and occupied the sacred Vyasa Peedham, (The divine seat) so humbly and reverently!
On the first day,(Saturday) TheSamaj secretary made a formal brief introduction of Smt. Suchithra and her accompanists to the eagerly awaiting audience. The temple authorities did all respects and formalities to Smt. Suchithra and her team of talented instrumentalists.
Smt. SUCHITHRA’selaborate narration of HARIKATHA onGURUVAYURAPPAN MAHIMAI, on Saturday, followed byANDALKALYANAM, onSunday,interspersed with her mesmerising sonorous renditions and narratives reverberated in the whole spellbound audience! She regaled the aesthetic audience and captured their hearts on both dayswith her sweet voice and deep knowledge of the subject and charming style of narration! SANGEETHOPANYASAM or Musical Discourse is a very popular form of epic presentation, gaining momentum everywhere and Smt. Suchithra handles this art form very efficiently and attractively.
No one could recollect how quickly the couple of hours on both days elapsed and everything got over abruptly, marking the conclusion of the event! Later she was duly honoured with a PONNADAI by the managing committee members!
The accompanists were also duly honoured appropriately!
In this context, it may be recalled that Smt. Suchithra is alreadyfamiliar to the residents of Garodia Nagar. She did an elaborate Musical Discourse on AYYAPPA CHARITHAM, during the customaryAnnual Ayyappa PoojaCelebrations in the Lion’s Community Hall, organized by Bhakta Sanghway back in 2016 and earned commendable repute and appreciation. Those soulful melodies and narratives are still ringing in our ears!
Smt. SUCHITHRA A PARADIGM FOR THE UPCOMING ARTISTES
Age is, sometimes, immaterial in becoming a good example! One can set a good example or become a paragon with the heritage of exemplary qualities and values which others would always like to emulate. Everything done for 3 Days consecutively becomes a practice and such a practice continued for some time becomes a good habit and that habit becomes an integral part of our culture. This is the legacythat one should always bequeath to the younger generation.
With her pleasing personality, mellifluous voice and amiable manners, innovative and interesting way of expressing things in the lucid way, Smt. SUCHITHRA is able to capture an audience of any magnitude within no time!
Her in-depth mastery over the entire gamut of music and ability to present the various mythological characters and events interestingly, deserve special mention andno doubt, this is a rare boon, bestowed by GODDESS SARASWATHY!
CONCLUSION:
While concluding this feature article on Smt. Suchithra, showcasing the details of her deep bonding with and involvement in music,this writer has the self- content to have shown some justice to this specific task!
Special thanks are due to our renowned BHAJAN SAMRAT OF MUMBAI, our beloved BABU BHAGAVATHAR, who readily introduced me to Smt. SUCHITHRA BALASUBRAMANIAN and motivated me to feature her in one of my future series. I acknowledge with thanks that I could interact with her and readily obtain her profile and all requisite details swiftly so as to come out with this humble feature article.Grateful salutations to my favourite deity GODDESS MOOKAMBIKA for strengthening my elbows as ever to start and finish this article within the record time than envisaged!
LET US WISH Smt. SUCHITHRA ALL PROSPERITY AND THUMPING SUCCESS ALWAYS IN ALL HER SPIRITUAL ENDEAVOURS!
MAY LORD GURUVAYURAPPAN BLESS HER AND HER HAPPY FAMILY!
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ദിവാകരൻ ചെഞ്ചേരി 2020-04-27 11:10:20
Thank you shankaoji for introducing suchitra subrahmanian, the talented figure, to the world of readers. Realy it is encouraging article.
I wonder your tireless efforts in this age. you are so energetic. I realy Jelous on you.
Regards,
Divakaran Chenchery
K. RAJAN 2020-04-29 13:19:20
Shri Thodupuzha Shankar has done an immaculate job in introducing to the readers the versatile and accomplished artiste, Smt. Suchitra Balasubramanian - `A Nightingale in the musical firmament'. Browsing through her achievements one gets the feel that the superlatives showered on her are well placed and deserving. Kudos to the writer and good wishes to the artiste!
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